Škoda Expands Middle East Presence with SAMACO Partnership and First Retail Locations in Saudi Arabia

Škoda Expands Middle East Presence with SAMACO Partnership and First Retail Locations in Saudi Arabia

(IN BRIEF) Škoda Auto is entering the rapidly expanding Saudi Arabian automotive market in partnership with SAMACO Motors, reinforcing its internationalisation strategy. The first showrooms in Jeddah and Al Khobar will open in late 2025, with a flagship location in Riyadh to follow in 2026. Škoda plans to launch six combustion-engine models, including popular SUVs and saloons such as the Octavia, Kushaq, Karoq, Kodiaq, and Slavia, with the Superb arriving later. Targeting young families and urban drivers, Škoda will offer a digitally enhanced customer experience featuring interactive media displays. Backed by its regional office under Volkswagen Group Middle East, the move builds on Škoda’s recent expansion efforts in Oman, Qatar, and the UAE. This strategic step leverages Saudi Arabia’s strong growth outlook, where annual sales are expected to reach one million vehicles by 2030.

(PRESS RELEASE) MLADÁ BOLESLAV, 18-Nov-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Škoda Auto is accelerating its global expansion strategy with a bold entrance into Saudi Arabia, the largest automotive market in the Middle East. Partnering with esteemed local distributor SAMACO Motors, Škoda will introduce a broad line-up of combustion-engine vehicles tailored to local consumer demand. Models such as the Octavia, Karoq, Kodiaq, and Kushaq will be available at launch, followed by the Superb and Slavia in 2026. This rollout is supported by the brand’s new regional hub – Škoda Middle East – established under Volkswagen Group’s sales division to coordinate growth efforts across the region.

The first two modern retail locations are set to open by the end of 2025 in Jeddah and Al Khobar, offering a fully digital experience with immersive video walls, touch-enabled displays, and interactive model presentations. A flagship showroom is scheduled for Riyadh in 2026. With annual car sales in Saudi Arabia forecasted to hit one million by 2030 and just 156 vehicles per 1,000 inhabitants currently, Škoda aims to tap into a youthful, family-oriented market with scalable demand potential.

Martin Jahn, Škoda’s Board Member for Sales and Marketing, noted:
“Škoda Auto’s entry into Saudi Arabia underscores our commitment to advancing our brand’s internationalisation. With our broad model portfolio, we aim to leverage the strong growth opportunities in the region. Through our partnership with SAMACO Motors, we’ll deliver seamless digital touchpoints and a customer-first experience.”

This move follows Škoda’s recent re-entry into Qatar, its launch in Oman, and the opening of advanced showrooms in the UAE as part of its accelerated push in the Middle East. The partnership with SAMACO Motors, a key player in the Saudi automotive space for over 45 years, ensures embedded market expertise and a robust distribution network.

Globally, Škoda has become the third best-selling brand in Europe, and its larger expansion strategy includes growing markets like India and Vietnam. The brand now aims to extend its success across the Middle East, supported by synergy from the Volkswagen Group’s international platforms.

Media contact:

Thomas Drechsler
Head of Communications
e: thomas.drechsler@skoda-auto.cz
LinkedIn

SOURCE: Škoda Auto a.s.